Easiest Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Recipe!

You know, there are just some dishes that instantly transport you back to a certain time and place, right? For me, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole does just that. I remember the first time I ever tasted it. We were on a family road trip, exhausted and hungry, and Cracker Barrel was the only place that looked promising. I ordered their cheesy hashbrown casserole, and it was like a warm hug on a plate. I knew I had to recreate it at home.

Of course, my first few attempts were… well, let’s just say they weren’t exactly award-winning. The sauce was too runny, or the potatoes were mushy. But I kept tweaking and experimenting until I finally landed on a version that my family declared even better than the original! Now, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is a staple at our holiday gatherings, potlucks, and even those nights when I just need a little comfort food. Honestly, there’s nothing quite like that first bite of creamy, cheesy potatoes. It’s pure bliss! I love that it can be a cheesy hashbrown casserole side dish or even the main course!

And the best part? This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is surprisingly easy to make, even on busy weeknights. I’ve got a few shortcuts that I’ll share with you that will save you time without sacrificing any of that delicious flavor. I perfected this recipe over years, with input from my picky kids and honest friends. I’m all about making delicious food that doesn’t require you to spend all day in the kitchen. Cooking should be fun, not a chore! If you love this recipe, then you might also enjoy my taco hashbrown casserole which is a family favorite.

So, grab your apron and let’s get started! I promise, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole will become a new family favorite in your house, too.

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

Shopping tips for this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole: You can usually find the frozen hash browns in the freezer section near the other frozen potatoes. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-shredded cheese, but I really do recommend shredding your own for the best results.

Here’s a Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole trick I learned the hard way: Make sure your hash browns are fully thawed before you start. Otherwise, your casserole will be watery. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or spread them out on a baking sheet to thaw at room temperature for a few hours. My kids love this cheesy hashbrown casserole and they always want me to make this for the holidays.

Here’s a cost-saving tip: Keep an eye out for sales on cheese and sour cream. These are the most expensive ingredients in this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, so stocking up when they’re on sale can save you a few bucks. If you want to be a bit healthier, try my egg hashbrown casserole recipe.

Storage tips: If you have any leftover cheddar cheese or sour cream after making your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cheese will last for about a week, and the sour cream will last for about two weeks.

Okay, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this amazing Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, step by step:

In my kitchen, Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole usually takes about 48 minutes to cook perfectly. While the Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or start prepping the rest of our meal. I love that this is an easy potato casserole to make!

Don’t worry if your Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole isn’t perfectly golden brown on top. It’s the inside that counts! If you are worried about the top getting too dark, you can tent it with foil halfway through baking.

Here’s a family-tested shortcut: If you’re really short on time, you can use refrigerated shredded hash browns instead of frozen. Just make sure to drain off any excess moisture before you add them to the bowl. This is the best hashbrown casserole recipe!

Another thing I do when making this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is to add a little hot sauce for some extra zip. My husband loves it that way! My kids prefer a milder dish, so I only add a little bit to half of the casserole.

This easy potato casserole really is one of my favorites. Follow these simple steps and it will soon be one of your favorites too!

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is so versatile! My family loves this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole when I serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or pork chops. It’s also amazing with ham, especially around the holidays. If you want to try some variety in your life, feel free to check out my hashbrown casserole recipe with some alterations.

My go-to side dishes that pair with Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole are a simple green salad or some steamed green beans. The freshness of the vegetables balances out the richness of the casserole. I might even make a fresh fruit salad!

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to transport. Just make sure to keep it warm in a carrier or insulated bag.

Presentation tips: I like to garnish the Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving. It adds a pop of color and makes it look extra appetizing. I also like to serve it in a pretty serving dish.

If you have extra Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave it or bake it in the oven until it’s heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Seasonal variations: In the fall, I like to add a little bit of cooked butternut squash or sweet potato to the Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole. It adds a touch of sweetness and color. In the spring, I sometimes add some chopped asparagus or peas.

Friends always ask for this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe whenever I bring it to a party. It’s just that good! I always feel so proud when people enjoy my cooking. It makes all the effort worthwhile. I like to put my own spin on it too, it can become an easy potato casserole with a personal touch.

Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole.

A: Absolutely! That’s one of the things I love most about it. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it. I would say this truly is a make ahead casserole!

A: While I haven’t personally tried it, some readers have reported success using frozen condensed cream of chicken soup. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the mixture.

A: You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. You can also make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk. I find this helps make a really good Cracker Barrel casserole!

A: The most common cause of a watery casserole is not thawing the hash browns properly. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess moisture before you add them to the bowl.

A: Yes, you can! Cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham would all be delicious additions. I would recommend adding about a cup of cooked meat to the mixture.

A: Of course! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would all be great. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well. This way, it can become a cheesy hashbrown casserole that is a special unique.

A: If the top of the casserole is getting too brown before the inside is cooked through, you can tent it with foil. Simply cover the casserole with a sheet of aluminum foil and continue baking until it’s done.

You know what I do when my Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole is getting too brown? I turn the oven temperature down by 25 degrees and continue baking until it’s cooked through. This helps to prevent the top from burning.

This Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of those simple, happy moments spent with my family. It’s a dish that brings us together, and it’s always a hit at any gathering. It’s more than just an easy potato casserole, it’s a memory-maker!

Here are my Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole Pro Tips:

Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family:

My daughter loves the spicy version, while my son prefers the cheesy one. My husband is happy with any version, as long as it has bacon! Remember, feel free to check out my egg hashbrown casserole if you are interested.

I hope you’ll give this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole a try. I know you and your family will love it as much as we do. Don’t forget to try my taco hashbrown casserole recipe. You can make this Cracker Barrel casserole your own! Add your favorite ingredients, experiment with different cheeses, and make it a dish that reflects your own personal taste.

I hope you have a wonderful cooking experience and that this Copycat Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole brings you as much joy as it brings my family. Happy cooking!